News

ONE WIN RECORDED – NINE MORE TO GO

By The Lone Gunman

Gretna 0 CELTIC 3

SPL

Sunday 23rd March

Kick-off: 2pm

Almondvale Stadium, Livingston

CELTIC scorers: McDonald 42, Vennegoor of Hesselink 70 and Samaras 88

CELTIC (4-4-2): Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus and Naylor; Nakamura; Brown (Hartley 73), Robson (Sno 80) and McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink and McDonald (Samaras 63)

Scott McDonald, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and substitute Georgios Samaras were the Hoops' goal-scorers as Celtic recorded an eventually comfortable and deserved if uninspiring 3-0 win over crisis club Gretna at the Almondvale Stadium, Livingston this afternoon.

During a lacklustre first period, in which Celtic dominated but looked devoid of urgency, Scott McDonald fired the Hoops into a 1-0 lead just before half-time.

In the 42nd minute, Artur Boruc's long ball out of defence was headed on by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald nipped in to pass the ball into the net from six yards.

Gretna 0 CELTIC 1 and Scott McDonald's 26th goal of the season.

Celtic continued to dominate the second period, though Gretna squandered a chance to equalise from six yards, before Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink doubled Celtic's advantage in the 70th minute.

Aiden McGeady's wing wizardry on the left flank resulted in a fine cross into the penalty box and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink rose highest between two defenders to power his header into the net.

Gretna 0 CELTIC 2 and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's 16th goal of the season.

Celtic saved their best goal of the afternoon till last, when substitute Georgios Samaras, who had replaced Scott McDonald in the 63rd minute, volleyed home Celtic's third goal.

Aiden McGeady was once again the architect, finding room on the left wing to fire in a cross to the front post and Georgios Samaras' superb volley rocketed into the roof of the net.

Gretna 0 CELTIC 3 and Celtic had recorded the all-important win, though some will be disappointed we did not improve yet more on our goal difference.

Nevertheless, Gordon Strachan's Celtic have won the first of our ‘Cup Finals'. Nine more League wins and we will be Champions.

On the downside, Scott Brown received a booking that will mean a three-match suspension, which begins in a fortnight.

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